Annual preseason checkups for a home’s air conditioner save money in the long run and add years of life to an air conditioner system.

With annual maintenance, a technician can actually stop a small problem from becoming a large problem before it’s too late. An example? Having a technician discover a small refrigerant leak and repair it doesn’t cost nearly as much as having to buy a new compressor because low refrigerant levels burned out the unit’s current compressor.

On top of that, homeowners will know ahead of time if their unit isn’t cooling efficiently, which could lead to expensive utility bills throughout the entire summer. Scheduling a preseason checkup is especially easy and cost effective for homeowners who find a qualified air conditioner contractor through Electric League of Arizona.

ELA puts customers in contact with licensed, bonded and insured contractors for home services such as air conditioning, heating, electrical, plumbing, solar and window treatments. All contractors are regularly monitored to ensure they meet the high standards of the ELA referral program including being in good standing with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and the Better Business Bureau. So, there’s no worries about hiring someone to offer advice and be left wondering if they are reputable. Some companies also take ongoing courses and receive specialized certificates of completion through ELA’s training organization.

The ELA’s 20-point cooling system checkup includes an in-depth look at each and every component of the air conditioner, such as:

Refrigerant levels: Low levels indicate a leak that needs to be repaired immediately. Low refrigerant levels can damage a compressor, resulting in a costly repair. That repair could add up to thousands of dollars, which could have been spend on something else — like a trip to Iceland to escape the heat.

Electrical components and controls: They check to make sure everything is connected and working properly, so that there’s nothing on the verge of shorting out.

Evaporator and condenser coils: Ever wonder what a summer of haboobs does to your unit? Ask a tech to take a few photos or video of a unit’s dirty coils. Dirt and debris dramatically reduces the energy efficiency and cooling ability of a unit.

Motors: Like a car or squeaky wheel, an air conditioner motor needs oil.

Thermostat: Ever feel like the unit never shuts off? Here, a technician will perform calibrations to make sure the unit isn’t working overtime.

Condenser: Think of a condenser as the guard that works to kick heat from the air conditioner back into the outside air. If homeowners are paying for the utilities to keep their houses cool, they certainly don’t want any of the heat produced by the unit to make its way inside.

Air filters: In Arizona, with dust as a constant companion, air filters are especially important. For those with allergies, clean filters that fit and work properly make all the difference.

Hire a technician to thoroughly inspect and clean a home’s air conditioner unit so it’s ready to roll when June hits. A well-working air conditioning system is especially critical for family members who may have health concerns or pets, because intense indoor heat could result in serious medical issues. Instead, a preseason checkup will provide friends, family and furry friends with comfort throughout the summer.

ELA connects homeowners with reputable and licensed contractor referrals. Since 1985, the organization has offered consumer advocacy and education on the energy and electrical industries for Arizona homeowners. For more homeowner resources, visit the Electric League of Arizona online.

Members of the editorial and news staff of the USA Today Network were not involved in the creation of this content.